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The Reading Mother

I had a mother who read to meSagas of pirates who scoured the sea.Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.I had a Mother who read me laysOf ancient and gallant and golden days;Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,Which every boy has a right to know.I had a Mother who read me talesOf Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,True to his trust till his tragic death,Faithfulness lent with his final breath.I had a Mother who read me the thingsThat wholesome life to the boy heart brings-Stories that stir with an upward touch.Oh, that each mother of boys were such!You may have tangible wealth untold;Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.Richer than I you can never be --I had a Mother who read to me.-Strickland Gillilan